3 Bush Regeneration TIps to Encourage Growth of Indigenous Bushes

DId you know that invasive plants make up 15% of Australia's natural flora nowadays? With less competition, invasive plants are able to quickly take over an area and push out indigenous plants. For example, prickly acacia bushes easily replace perennial Astrebla bushes that are native to Australia. If you notice an increase of invasive species in your backyard or nearby and want to do your part in protecting the natural flora, use these 3 bush regeneration tips to encourage indigenous bushes and plants to regrow and become abundant again.

Cover Exposed Soil with Natural Mulch

Upon clearing an area of invasive species, cover the exposed soil with some natural mulch. This prevents the seeds and spores of the invasive species from once again being able to take root in the soil once more. This also ensures that the soil will have access to filtered light, which can help encourage surrounding indigenous species to take advantage of the room and spread and grow.

Remove Invasive Species from Undisturbed Natural Areas First

To encourage bush or plant regeneration, you want to encourage them to spread and grow at their borders. This means that you should consider working on undisturbed natural areas before heavily-invaded areas. By removing invasive species that are found in areas where native species are well-established, you help the native species thrive and give them a chance to easily move into the freed up space. If you decide to work on heavily-invaded areas, you actually free up more exposed and bare ground. As there are little native species established in the area, you actually tip the balance of favour to the invasive species.

Give the Native Species Time

It's easy to overclear an area of invasive species once you get going; however, keep in mind that plants grow at their own pace. For a more effective regeneration, allow the native species time to slowly grow into cleared areas before removing more of the invasive species. Patience is essential to bush regeneration.

Conclusion

Invasive species are able to easily gain a foothold in Australia's natural flora and flourish. It's vital to take time to understand how these invasive species affect indigenous plants. When attempting to encourage bush regeneration, take it one step at a time slowly. It takes time to nurture indigenous plants in order to help them become more established in the area and in order to help them push invasive species out of the natural flora. 

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